5-speed vs. 5-speed

TheClassic · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 07:56 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new here, and so far I like what I see. Anyway, I'm looking into getting a 2003 CTS, and I was wondering how much of a performance difference there is between the automatic and the manual. Usually manual=fun, and automatic=teh sucks. However, this auto is a 5-speed, and most are 4, so it must be better right? If anyone has any experience, your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Kyle

MJDART · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 08:13 PM

The automatic actually has a lot of "manual" features. You push the shift handle directly to the right and it goes into manual mode allowing access to all 5 gear ratios. Pull back to down shift and push forward to upshift. What ever gear you were in when you go to manual mode will be the gear it will stay in until you shift. When you go to manaul mode your odometer reading changes to indicate which gear you are in. If you exceed redline it will automatically upshift even if you are in manaul. I've found its a very good 5 speed automatic with ratios that are very useful.

FL01SS · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJDART

The automatic actually has a lot of "manual" features. You push the shift handle directly to the right and it goes into manual mode allowing access to all 5 gear ratios. Pull back to down shift and push forward to upshift. What ever gear you were in when you go to manual mode will be the gear it will stay in until you shift. When you go to manaul mode your odometer reading changes to indicate which gear you are in. If you exceed redline it will automatically upshift even if you are in manaul. I've found its a very good 5 speed automatic with ratios that are very useful.

That shifter wasn't on the 03 automatics. That started in 05 or 06. However, the 03 would have a Sport button that allows for more aggressive shifts. Normally, if you can drive a manual worth a crap, it'll be quicker in the 1/4 mile. If you can't & miss a gear or can't launch very well, then obviously you'll be slower than the auto. There's not a horsepower difference, so go with the manual since you obviously like manuals better since you say autos suck & manuals are fun. Good luck shopping!

TheClassic · #4 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 08:36 PM

I've always wondered what that button did. (I've never driven a CTS. I've ridden in one for about five minutes, and i liked it a lot.) What does it do different? Is it like a tuner increasing the line pressure to firm up the shifts?

Anyway, I can't wait to get a CTS. The interior is one of the best I've ever seen in a car. There's not really anything I don't like about it. And I probably will get the manual. That's actually why I got rid of my '04 GTO. I rushed into it, and couldn't stand the auto.

FL01SS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 08:51 PM

There's 2 buttons on the 03-05 autos. One is the Sport button (the one with the S of course) which, like you guessed, adjusts the shift points so it shifts higher in the RPM range, and also tries to simulate a manual down shifting by keeping the car in a gear that keeps the RPMs up while slowing. The other button has a snow flake on it & is for winter driving, which I hope we won't see around these parts! It starts the car out in 2nd or 3rd to keep from spinning in the snow.

I miss driving a manual & wish I would have gotten a 3.6 manual.

TheClassic · #6 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 09:09 PM

Well heck, I have a button like the sport button on my Sierra. It's the tow/haul mode. About the engine, how much of an SOP difference is there between the 3.2 and 3.6? I'm looking to spend about $16,500/$17,000 on this car. I know I can get a good deal at my dealership(I bought and traded three vehicles from them last year. Yes, all for me). I'd like the nav and the 3.6, but I saw this thread about putting a computer in a CTS, and wouldn't mind doing that myself. I've gotta find it again to find out if that guy had nav or not.

chico · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheClassic

I've always wondered what that button did. (I've never driven a CTS. I've ridden in one for about five minutes, and i liked it a lot.) What does it do different? Is it like a tuner increasing the line pressure to firm up the shifts?

Anyway, I can't wait to get a CTS. The interior is one of the best I've ever seen in a car. There's not really anything I don't like about it. And I probably will get the manual. That's actually why I got rid of my '04 GTO. I rushed into it, and couldn't stand the auto.

sports mode button does wonders( it should be called race mode)

nickc50310 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 10:06 PM

Ive owned both so I can give you kind of a unique perspective. Both are pretty fast for what they are and are a blast to drive. The 3.2 is obviously a bit slower and doesnt have as much pop as the 3.6. The 3.6 has a better torque curve due to the vvt. The 3.6 is (hopefully) going to have more performance mods available also. If possible, try to get the 3.6 but you definately will not be disappointed by the 3.2!

As for the trannies go. If youre an awesome clutch driver than you will usually beat an auto. If youre just a regular joe driving a manual an auto will usually beat you. Autos these days are VERY efficient. At first I thought I wanted a stick but after a while of driving my 3.6 with sport mode I realize that Im VERY happy with what I got. Sport mode makes the car come alive!

If it comes down to getting a stripped 04 or newer with a 3.6 vs a loaded 03 3.2, go with the 03. Look for a car with the luxury and sport packages. I cant count how many times stabilitrack saved my ass (sport package).

TheClassic · #9 (**permalink**) 01-23-07, 10:16 PM

Thanks for the great response. It definately answered a lot of questions. I probably will end up getting the '03 due to cost. The only thing I have to look for now is a graph of the 3.2L torque curve. Just want to see what it looks like, and I can't find it. Well, off to find the computer thread.